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Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spread Info, Line and Predictions
November 11, 2011
On Sunday, we'll get a potential preview of two playoff teams when the Houston Texans go on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans lead the AFC South with a record of 6-3. Tampa Bay is in third place in the NFC South at 4-4, behind the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.
The two teams last played in 2007. The Texans were the home team then, and won 28-14.
Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
When: Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. EST
Watch: CBS
Spread
Texans (-3.5), according to Bodog.
I like this spread for the Texans. Basically, I am just betting on who I think will win. That is Houston. Tampa Bay has a lot of talent but have fought inconsistency all year. That's true for Houston as well, but they are heating up.
Over/Under
(-45.5), according to Bodog.
I like this number. I expect Houston to score a lot against Tampa's defense. They won't get to 45, but will be close enough for Tampa Bay to easily pick up whatever slack is there.
Key Injuries
Texans' WR Andre Johnson is out.
Texans' T Eric Winston, DE Antonio Smith, LB Connor Barwin and LB Brian Cushing are probable.
Buccaneers' QB Josh Freeman and WR Mike Williams are probable.
Fantasy Big Plays
Arian Foster is the big-name back in Houston. But if you have Ben Tate and aren't playing him, you are either loaded at running back or need to change that immediately.
LaGarrette Blount is still not starting in more than 30 percent of ESPN leagues. I can't figure out who else the Buccaneers can depend on.
The Houston defense is a good play. They are a good unit, and Josh Freeman already had 10 interceptions this year.
Keys to a Texans' Win
Run the ball, run the ball, run the ball. With Andre Johnson out, the Texans have an okay passing attack, but the run is the key.
Keys to a Buccaneers' Win
Freeman can't turn the ball over. If he does, this will be a long day for the home team. Blount needs to control the game when Tampa Bay has the ball.
Prediction: Texans 31, Buccaneers 23
I just don't like Tampa Bay's chances at stopping Arian Foster and Ben Tate. That is a lethal duo that will control the game.
